Taken

Chapter 22

Songs to Listen to While Reading:

West Coast Smoker By: Fall Out Boy

3 A.M. By: Eminem

Fran's POV:

Day 1:

The blindfold is rough and uncomfortable against my skin. The tears are soaking the cloth quickly. The gag in my mouth rubs on my teeth and gives me shivers.

I feel the temperature drop as I am shoved down the stairs. What could I have done to deserve this?

"Buzzzzzzzzzz!" The sounds of a saw turning on pierce my ears.

My surroundings have gone into overdrive now that two of my senses are blinded. The putrid smell infiltrating my nose causes bile to rise into my throat. It is worse than anything I have ever encountered.

"Welcome home," a deep voice says from across the room. It gives me the hint that he must be a tall man. The saw turns off with a sliding noise that slowly fades into nothing. I hear footsteps coming near me and whimper unintentionally. Someone pulls the gag down out of my mouth.

"Don't be scared," they say as they glide their palm down my cheek. "You get used to the smell."

"Where am I?" I say with a shaky voice.

"That's for me to know, my dear, and for you to find out."

I remember back to all of the shows I had watched about amazing survivals. This man doesn't sound dangerous but my instincts tell me he is far past dangerous; he belongs in a mental institution. I need to befriend him if I am correct. I need to give him a reason to keep me alive. The bottom line is to get him down to my level.

"So what are the plans for today?" I question calmly.

"First, we're going to have a nice dinner. Then, we're going to play a board game. Next, I will read you a bedtime story. After that, we will see who can stay up the longest."

"Deal," I say with a smile. I have to trick him into thinking that I am okay with him. "Pardon me asking, but why do you have a saw? And what is that smell?"

"It's dinner, son."

I vomit all over myself at the thought of what it is. Could it be... No, it couldn't possibly, that's just insane. Then I remind myself, he is insane.

"Wh-what's on th-the menu?" My stuttering is prominent and hesitation is clear.

"No, no, no. I mustn't spoil the surprise my dear boy!"

"Oh I love surprises," I say. I now recognize that he is treating me like I was his child. Besides the whole tying me up part.

"Good, because you will experience many of those," his voice sends shivers down my spine. He speaks in a slow manner that is well thought out. I am thoroughly afraid now.

I stay silent, not wanting to provoke anything. What will happen to me? If I die then how will Belle cope? How did things go with Harry? What kind of friend am I to ignore her warnings. I knew this internet man was too good to be true, but I couldn't stop hoping it was real.

"Dinner is served. Would you like anything to drink?"

Taking my opportunity I said, "Water please."

"We don't have any, how's this?" I feel a straw being placed into my mouth. I suck on the liquid but then stop it from entering my mouth by plugging it with my tongue.

"It's delicious," I lie.

"You're a great son. I'm glad I chose you, I don't have to find anymore boys! You're perfect and we get to be together," he pauses and sighs happily, "forever."